Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) and Lao Textiles

Tour Itinerary

3-hour private tour: Morning/Afternoon.

Your guide greets you at your hotel in Vientiane, followed by an hour-long visit to Xieng Khuan Buddha Park, located just 15 miles (25 km) from the city. Also known as Spirit City, the park was created in the 1950s by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a shaman and priest. Today, the fanciful sculpture garden is a testament to his vision of a religion-themed park with more than 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues.

Explore the park with your knowledgeable guide who will point out its top attractions, such as the 390-foot (119-meter) reclining Buddha. Whether they’re reposing or saving maidens in distress, the other statues of humans, gods and animals are just as captivating. One is even interactive: You can walk into a demon’s mouth and climb your way from hell to heaven! If you work up an appetite on the transcendent journey.

Leave the park, head to Carol Cassidy’s Lao Textiles workshop, studio and gallery. Learn about this American who helped revive Lao traditional silk weaving, and see the female artists in the center who receive masterful training and create exquisite designs that are often showcased around the world. Browse these masterpieces, including scarves, shawls and wall hangings, which make terrific high-quality gifts and souvenirs.

End the tour at your hotel.